Lassana Diarra admits he's happy playing for Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp.

"I would never have left Chelsea if I had not been promised certain things," said Diarra. "Me, I have a word and I respected it when I went to Arsenal.

"Then, I did not leave The Gunners for France, but for myself. Of course it was a reason that made me rush to leave, but not the first one. I need to be happy, I am a footballer and I need to play.

"It is true as well that you have to play to be competitive and then play for France. Today I am 23, I am very happy. Everything is fine. I have improved, won the FA Cup. Football goes very quickly and I am not thinking of Arsenal any more.

"I am good where I am, I live my little life, relaxed, I have gained in confidence and I am part of the key players. The coach, Harry Redknapp, is my coach and my friend at the same time.

"He is natural and close to his players. He knows how to help them bounce back, give them confidence back and let them play football."